Who doesn’t want to hear that?!  :-)   It’s the little things in life … I’m happy to inspire especially when it comes to green smoothies and juices!  If you are interested in getting my e-book, you can follow me on twitter @VitalSelf and get it for free.  If you already follow and didn’t get one – ping me at amya@vitalself.com.  Lastly, if would like to get my print book, you can get here http://www.vitalself.com/shop.

To your health! ;-)

Amy

Top O’ the Mornin’ to you from the bottom of my cup

Drink this green juice & it will revv you right up! ;-)

Lads and lassies!  As you get on your Irish today, take a moment to nourish the body for a little pre- or post- merry celebration!

Juice up some greens:

-A bunch of celery (yep, the whole thing)

-1 cucumber (peeled)

-1 handful of watercress

Refreshing and a perfect to balance electrolytes!  Chocked full of nutrients …calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium, manganese, vit A, C, K, B6, sodium (around 260 mg),  & more.

Enjoy my green friends!  Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Here’s a wee bit of music to enjoy as you start your green day celebration!

SÉAMIE O\’DOWD – Traditional Irish Music from LiveTrad.com

 
Ingredients
• 1 cup organic red quinoa
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 handful kale (finely chopped)
• 1 cup RAW sprouted pumpkin seeds (you can get these at Whole Foods in the nut section)
• juice of 1 lime
• juice of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup organic garbanzo beans
• beet salad (see below)
• sea salt (add to taste)
Serves 6-8
Directions
• Wash all veggies,and prepare as noted above.
• Cook quinoa as package suggests (typically about 15 minutes)
• Place quinoa in large bowl
• Strain liquid from garbanzo beans and add to bowl
• Add remaining ingredients, toss
This salad is great right after and even better the next day!

Beet Salad (goes into the quinoa salad)
Ingredients
• 2 large or 4 small beets
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp of dijon mustard
Directions
• Wash and peel outside of beets
• Shred
• Add juice of 1 lemon
• Add dijon mustard (start with 1 tsp & add more if you desire)
• Put in fridge for 1 hour.
Enjoy! ;-)

On this Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a few minutes of inner bliss with this rose meditation adapted from Swami Saradanada’s Chakra Meditation book.  First, find a cozy room to sit in, light a candle and either print the rose or bring your computer with you.

Sit in a comfortable pose with cross legs and consider that your Heart Chakra (energy center within the body) which is located at the heart center.  The heart chakra, also called the Anahata, is key to our ability to be able to fully love ourselves and others.

Place the rose in front of you and look at it.  Take a few deep breaths and then allow yourself to breath gently.  Inhale and imagine the fragrance of the rose and exhale simply release and reflect on the beauty.  Notice how the petals spiral out from the center of the flower. Each petal represents a part of your life, a part of you.  For a few minutes reflect on the symbolism of the rose and how it stands for continuous, unconditional love.

Then, close your eyes and allow yourself to visualize the rose in your mind’s eye recapturing the beauty you have witnessed.

Then, call into your mind all those whom you love and send them your love.  Recall the beauty of the rose.  Be aware of your breath. Continue to focus on loved ones and gratitude and then take a deep breath in and exhale.  On your next inhale, turn that love you feel for others inward and allow yourself to fully feel the love inside.  Feel the love, feel the beauty inside of YOU.  Continue to breathe gently.  Tell yourself, “I love you.”  Tell yourself this from your heart.  Know that you are surrounded by divine love.

Breathe gently and continue basking in your love for several minutes.  Allow yourself some time to bring your awareness back to the room.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s evening!  :-)

Amy